2021 Avantus Adopt-a-Family

This year, Avantus will be sponsoring two families with children undergoing cancer treatment from the Children's National Medical Center. Avantus will bring holiday cheer to these families in need by providing them gifts for the holidays and some much-needed joy during otherwise challenging times. Stories about the children we will be supporting can be found below:

Brian – Brian is a quiet, kind, and hard working 18-year old young man who was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma (GBM) in 2018. This is an aggressive malignant brain tumor that is often fatal within 12-18 months from diagnosis. Brian has underwent a surgical resection, extensive radiation treatments, and several clinical trials. Brian is attending classes virtually at Montgomery County Community College and does IT work at an assisted living facility to support his family financially. He is currently living with his uncle and two younger brothers---ages 8 and 10 years. He had bought himself a small used car, but is now unable to drive as he has had seizures as a result of his tumor. Expenses continue to mount causing financial hardship and stress. Brian is aware that his prognosis is not good, but wants to ensure his brothers have happy memories of their Christmas together.

Aubree – Aubree is an adorable, kind, and sensitive 6-year-old girl who was diagnosed with metastatic Medulloblastoma in December of 2020. This is an aggressive malignant brain tumor. Aubree has underwent daily radiation treatments and cycles of daily chemotherapy. She just completed her last treatment a couple of weeks ago. Aubree lives in Chatham, Virginia with her mother (Aaleigha), her 3-year-old brother (Keyaan), her maternal grandmother (Kim), and her cousins 3-year-old Kalynn, 17-year-old Kendall, and 17-year-old Austin. During treatments, her mom and grandmother would alternate staying at the hospital and at the local Ronald McDonald House with Aubree while the other cared for the children at home. Both had to stop working for a period of time, which placed even greater stress on their family financially. Sadly, Aubree's prognosis is not good---so they really want this to be a special Christmas.

Your donations and generosity are greatly appreciated and will go a long way in ensuring these families are able to have timeless holiday memories during this time of need!